ECB Confronts Weaker Economy, Stronger Euro: Decision Day Guide
(Bloomberg) — European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde will have to walk a fine line on Thursday as she portrays a euro-area economy that’s recovering as hoped from the coronavirus pandemic yet still in need of massive support.
While new economic projections will confirm that the worst downside risks haven’t materialized, they’ll still be bleak and subject to high uncertainty. Lagarde also now has to deal with a stronger euro that could hamper the upturn.
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European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde Announces Rate Decision
Christine Lagarde
Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg
Read more: ECB Forecasts Said to Show More Confidence in Economic Outlook
The Governing Council is expected to keep its 1.35 trillion euro ($1.6 trillion) emergency bond-buying program and record-low interest rates unchanged for now. But the president will be quizzed in her press conferences on market expectations for more stimulus later this year.
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